Laos has begun work on a second hydropower dam on the Mekong River, weeks after its ongoing construction of the Xayaburi dam on another stretch of the river drew sharp criticism.

According to International Rivers, construction is underway on the Don Sahong Dam in southern Laos. It is being built by Malaysia-based Mega First Corporation Berhad.

The 260-380 megawatt dam site is less than 2 kilometres from the Cambodian border.

“Villagers reported that the dam builders have already blasted a waterfall near the Don Sahong Dam site,” said Pianporn Deetes, Thailand campaign coordinator for International Rivers, who visited the site last month.